The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Solomon Oyewole, has been reported dead after collapsing during a party reconciliation meeting in Iyara, the council headquarters.
Solomon, who was pronounced dead by medical experts at the State facility, was participating in a meeting convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko, as part of efforts to foster unity among APC stakeholders in the area before the 2027 general election.
The meeting, held at the Iyara Town Hall yesterday, was aimed at bringing together party leaders and stakeholders to resolve differences and strengthen cooperation ahead of future political activities.
Sources at the meeting said Solomon suddenly collapsed while proceedings were ongoing, forcing the meeting to be halted after members became confused.
Efforts were reportedly made to revive him before he was rushed to a hospital in Kabba for medical attention.
However, he was said to have died shortly after arriving at the hospital where he was rushed to by other APC members.
His sudden death reportedly left party leaders, government officials and other participants at the meeting in shock, as they dispersed
The meeting came amid ongoing efforts by APC stakeholders in Ijumu to resolve internal disagreements and promote greater unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in August, APC stakeholders in the local government had gathered in Iyara, where they endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for re-election.
The stakeholders also called for unity among party members. However, the earlier gathering was reportedly characterised by disagreements over the leadership of the local government, with Solomon and some other officials said to have walked out of the meeting.
Olumoko, who convened the reconciliation meeting, had previously served as chairman of the local government and had been involved in efforts to bring together various political interests in Ijumu.
The meeting was expected to feature political leaders, local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as government appointees from the 15 wards in the local government.
Solomon’s death is expected to have an impact on ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Ijumu APC, particularly as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.